Tom Hiddleston has dampened hopes that he’ll star in an Avengers Assemble sequel by saying that he doesn’t think his character, Loki, will feature in a second film.

The actor was the main villain in this year’s superhero box-office smash but, in an interview with MSN, he said he didn’t think fans would want to see him reprise the role as they may grow bored of the character – although he did add that he “would love” to be involved in a sequel.

“I don’t know, and that really is the honest answer,” he said when asked if he would return for another installment. “I know I’ve been known for obfuscation in other quarters, but I have no idea, I haven’t spoken to Joss. He’s definitely doing it.”

He concluded:

So I suspect not, only because I think that probably the audiences are tired of Loki being the bad guy. Maybe the Avengers need somebody else to fight. But I’d love to be part of it again.

Since its release in May, The Avengers has become the third biggest movie ever, grossing over $1.5 billion (£930 million) worldwide. The sequel is scheduled for release in May 2015. Whedon was initially hesitant to helm a second film, but his return was confirmed in August when he signed an exclusive deal with Marvel.